Cushioned overpack for containing hazardous substances

Abstract

Cushioned overpacks are employed for containing, transporting, and storing discarded electrical transformers contaminated by toxic materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Other articles may be similarly contained, transported, and stored using such cushioned overpacks. The discarded transformers are then consigned to such overpacks together with one or more cushions. The cushions serve to prevent puncturing of the overpack by the transformers during transport and storage. Preferred cushions have a foam composition and are inserted into the overpack by means of a pour-in-place process. Preferred overpacks include an inner surface which is roughened so as to adhere to the inserted cushion. After the insertion of the transformer and cushion is complete the assembly is hermetically sealed by a spin welded closure onto the receptacle. Uncushioned overpacks are fabricated at or near the process site by rotational molding. As such, they may also be employed for securing medical waste for subsequent incineration and for stabilization of contaminated soil.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A packaging assembly for containing a hazardous article, comprising: an overpack defining a chamber for containing said article, said overpack having a rotationally molded wall with a composition of thermoplastic resin;   a filler carried by the inner surface of said wall, said filler including a chemically functional group selected from hydroxyl, amino and carboxyl;   a foam cushion positioned within said chamber, said cushion formed by a pour-in-place process which chemically bonds said cushion to said filler and said cushion having an outer shape conforming to the shape of said chamber; and   a closure formed of thermoplastic resin and spin welded to said wall of said overpack for hermetic sealing thereof.   
     
     
       2. The packaging assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said foam cushion comprises polyurethane.